1997 Dodge Caravan Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 3%of 714 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I recently became aware of your services so that is why this is written way after the fact. May problem is that I own a 97 Dodge Caravan, at the time it had appox. 80,000 miles. The front passenger side wheel well that holds the strat rotted to the point that the strat was coming through. I called Dodge and they said that part of the body wasn't warranted against rust through. I thought it was odd that the doors and hood was but not the under part. I had the repairs done for $900 and now the driver side is about to do the same. …”
NHTSA complaint #10054282, filed 2004-01, 80,000 miles“I have a 1997 Dodge Caravan se purchased new. Two years ago I noticed a spot on the roof, and another on the hood where the polycoat was beginning to peel. Within two years the car looked as if it had some kind of disease. I began to notice other caravans of similar age, and they had the same problem. I saw other makes of cars that were much older with original paint jobs and they weren't experiencing this problem. I am really disappointed with the paint job and poly coat on the Dodge Caravan. …”
NHTSA complaint #10187249, filed 2007-04“Engine had leaking seals which caused exhaust manifold to leak. Fumes would come from blower (defroster) when it was turned on. There was an electrical short in engine. Also, windshield wipers were erratic & would come on or off by themselves, and having a lot of problems with starter. Gasoline leaks from the tank due to the seal failure. Inside door panel on drivers side is broken.”
NHTSA complaint #876989, filed 2000-12“Recurring water leak , dealer tried to correct by adjusting hatch and replacing seal. No longer shuts properly. Oftentimes have to get out of car and reshut. Dealer will adjust but will not be responsilbe should it start leaking again. Suggests I keep a door or window open in order to shut the hatch. Water cam ein thru seatbelts.”
NHTSA complaint #706126, filed 1999-04“Tension pulley belt thats controls the power steering and battery was very low. The battery/ thermostat went into a hot mode. Also, that there is water underneath the carriage of the vehicle, and it sounds like a boat. The water underneath comes from side to side when riding the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #848132, filed 1999-09Related service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 | 3 | 15% |
| 2013 | 2 | 7% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 3% |
| 2007 | 6 | 7% |
| 2006 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 30 | 6% |
| 1999 | 27 | 5% |
| 1998 | 26 | 4% |
| 1997 | 21 | 3% |
| 1996 | 58 | 4% |
| 1995 | 41 | 8% |
| 1994 | 78 | 12% |
| 1993 | 82 | 9% |
| 1992 | 81 | 9% |
| 1991 | 80 | 13% |
| 1990 | 57 | 21% |
| 1989 | 41 | 21% |
| 1988 | 20 | 19% |
| 1987 | 10 | 14% |
| 1986 | 14 | 29% |
| 1985 | 13 | 27% |
| 1984 | 5 | 28% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Caravan
152 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
133 complaintsEngine cooling
123 complaintsElectrical system
96 complaintsBrakes
72 complaintsFuel system
60 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
45 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsEquipment
22 complaintsSeat belts
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology